5 email commandments to live (and write) by

I came across this wise quote this week:

Sometimes our heads are too full for more stuff.

We just need a reminder of things we already know are worthwhile, but we don’t necessarily put into practice.

(Like flossing or quinoa.)

So, here’s a reminder of my 5 Email Commandments to help you avoid upsets and get more done.

1. Ease is everything. If you want someone to do something, take away all the barriers, however small.

   
   

2. There’s a warm body behind every email address. Email’s speed and efficiency is great, but it’s also de-humanising. Remember you’re writing to a real live person, with feelings. Be careful with them.

   
   

3. Your emails need a heart. It’s easy to use email to bark orders at people when you’re so focussed on getting things done. But you need emotional connections, not transactional ones, if you want to build relationships.

   
   

4. Everyone isn’t a clone of you. You may not see the need for ‘fluff’ at the start of an email asking about someone’s weekend. But your reader might thrive on that social connection. There’s no single ‘right’ way to communicate.

   
   

5. Emotional emails sink ships. Never email when you’re irritable, exhausted, hungry, hangry or drunk. Sometimes a cup of coffee and a slice of toast can completely change our perspective on things.

So what would you add to this list?